One of the most iconic names in the automotive world, Morgan Motor Company has been acquired by Italian investment firm Investindustrial – which has taken a majority stake in the 110-year old British sports car manufacturer.

The financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. However, the investment is being executed without financial debt and Morgan will have a positive net cash position upon closing of the transaction.

Founded in 1909, Morgan hand-builds premium sports cars with a classic design in its historic factory in Malvern, UK, which is visited by more than 30,000 people each year. With revenues of £33.8m and a net profit of £3.2m in 2018, the company sells around 700 cars per year. It is also one of the last remaining British-owned carmakers.

“The past two years have been the most successful in our company’s history,” said Dominic Riley, chairman of Morgan. “However, to really fulfil our full potential and secure our long-term future, both the family and management team felt it was essential to bring in a strategic partner – a partner that shares our vision and has the expertise, financial resources and track record of success in the automotive world, to make it happen. That partner is Investindustrial.”

Following completion of the acquisition, the Morgan family will continue to act as stewards for the brand and retain a minority shareholding. And, for the first time in its history, the management team and all employees will have a share of the business.

“Morgan’s handmade British sports cars are true icons of the industry,” said Andrea C. Bonomi, Investindustrial’s chairman of the industrial advisory board. “We have followed the company and seen its progress for some time and see significant potential for Morgan to develop internationally while retaining its hand-built heritage. We share with the Morgan family the belief that British engineering and brands are unique and have an important place in the world.”

The transaction is expected to be completed in April 2019.

Steve Morris, chief executive of Morgan, concluded: “The future is bright for Morgan. We are coming off the back of two record years and now have the best possible owner and partner to take the business to the next level and develop Morgan’s global potential.”